Garlic scapes are the flower stalk of the garlic plant. Harvesting the scapes before they bloom helps the plant direct more energy into forming a bulb of garlic. And fortunately, garlic scapes are delicious! They have the flavor of fresh, mild garlic and a texture that's a bit like a string bean. You can use them almost anywhere you'd use garlic (bear in mind the flavor of scapes isn't as strong as garlic cloves), but if you're looking for some ideas, here are a few of our favorite ways to eat more garlic scapes.

In scrambled eggs. Saute sliced garlic scapes in butter or oil for just a few minutes until they begin to soften, then add your eggs and cook them like you normally would.

In stir fry. Slice the scapes into 1 inch sections and cook them like you would onions in a stir fry. They're also a delicious addition to fried rice!

In a dip or spread. Blend lightly sauteed, sliced garlic scapes with 1 package of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, salt, pepper, and some freshly chopped dill. If the dip is too thick, thin it out by adding a spoonful or two of milk. This dip is great with chips, pita bread, peapods, or slices of fresh radish and cucumber. It also makes a tasty sandwich spread.

In a simple pasta. Make a pot of pasta (be sure to generously salt the cooking water) and save 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before you drain the noodles. Saute 1/2 inch pieces of garlic scapes in plenty of olive oil, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes and a little salt. When the scapes soften, toss freshly cooked pasta with the reserved pasta water and hot oil with scapes and pepper flakes, and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.